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Wolf-Dog Hybrids Discovered in Karnataka's Grasslands

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Neha

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5 min read

05 Nov, 2024

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In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) have documented the presence of wolf-dog hybrids for the first time in Karnataka’s grasslands, raising serious concerns among conservationists about the future of the region’s wildlife. The findings, published in the August edition of the BNHS journal, highlight the potential long-term ecological consequences of hybridisation between domestic dogs and wild canids, particularly the endangered Indian grey wolf.


The BNHS team, which includes Pankaj Bishnoi, Neelkanth Bora, Karthik N. J., and Sujit S. Narwade, first recorded the presence of a wolf-dog hybrid in October 2023, during their field research in Gajendragad, Gadag district. The hybrid was sighted again in December 2023. The discovery has raised alarms regarding the growing interaction between domestic animals and wild species, which could have detrimental effects on the ecological balance of the region.


A New Threat to the Indian Grey Wolf Population

Wolf-dogs are created when free-ranging domestic dogs breed with wild wolves, a phenomenon that has become increasingly concerning as human encroachment continues to reduce natural wildlife habitats. According to the BNHS publication, these interactions between wildlife and domestic animals can lead to gene exchange that could negatively impact the health and stability of wildlife populations.


“The presence of wolf-dog hybrids in the wild could have unimaginable consequences,” BNHS Deputy Director Sujit S. Narwade has said in the report. “Hybridisation can lead to changes in hunting behavior, pack structures, and increased aggression, all of which could threaten the genetic integrity of the Indian grey wolf population.”


The BNHS report describes the wolf-dog hybrid as exhibiting characteristics that are a blend of both wolves and domestic dogs. Notably, the hybrid was grey in color, with a leaner body and distinctive almond-shaped eyes that appeared pale yellow, unlike the more typical eye colors found in domestic dogs. The report also notes that the hybrid’s body structure resembled that of a wolf, with its chest and feet positioned directly under its body, unlike the more spread-out posture of domestic dogs.



Hybridisation Threatens Ecosystem and Wildlife Health

Experts argue that hybridisation, driven by the overlap of human settlements with wildlife habitats, poses significant ecological risks. The journal highlights that such hybrids may disrupt existing ecosystems by spreading diseases, changing the behavioral patterns of wild animals, and potentially reducing the population of native species.


In addition to the wolf-dog hybrids, the BNHS publication also references similar hybridisation events involving domestic dogs and Indian jackals in other parts of Karnataka, a trend first recorded by conservationist Indrajit Ghorpade in 2018-19 around Koppal.


Calls for Further Study and Action

The BNHS team has urged the Karnataka Forest Department to conduct further studies to monitor the potential impact of wolf-dog hybrids on the local wildlife. The research team has expressed concerns about the rapid spread of hybridisation, calling for immediate attention to prevent irreversible damage to the region’s wildlife populations.


Next Steps

The BNHS plans to submit its detailed findings to the Karnataka Forest Department, urging them to launch further research into the implications of hybridisation for the state’s wildlife. As conservationists continue to grapple with the challenges posed by human-wildlife conflict and habitat loss, the discovery of wolf-dog hybrids serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for coordinated conservation efforts to protect the natural heritage of Karnataka.


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